Kenyan referee Josephine Wanjiku has been appointed to officiate at the upcoming FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, marking another milestone in her international refereeing career.Wanjiku is the only Kenyan among 18 centre referees selected for the tournament, which will feature 24 nations, including Kenya’s Junior Starlets.Download our Mozzart Sport App for more newsShe will be one of three African centre referees at the global competition, alongside Morocco’s Zoulaikha Harmasse and Cameroon’s Aline Guimbang Etong.The appointment caps a steady rise for Wanjiku, who attained FIFA international referee status in 2021 and has since earned opportunities to officiate in major continental competitions.##NAJAVA_MECA_10027781##In 2025, she was selected among 18 referees for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) and qualifying matches. She was subsequently appointed for the 2026 edition of the continental tournament, further strengthening her experience at the highest level of African women’s football.England-based Harambee Stars striker opens up on Benni McCarthy’s man-management skillsA total of 36 assistant referees have also been appointed to support the centre referees during the competition. Africa will have five representatives in that category, including Morocco’s Ihssane Ennouajeli, Niger’s Sakina Hamidou Alfa, Zambia’s Nancy Kasitu, Senegal’s Tabara Mbodji and Mauritius’ Queency Victoire.The appointments place eight African officials among the tournament’s selected refereeing personnel to officiate during the championship. Seychelles coach makes plea after 22-0 aggregate loss to Harambee StarletsMeanwhile, Kenya’s Junior Starlets will be seeking to make an impression as they prepare for their second consecutive appearance at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.The Mildred Cheche-coached side are among five African nations competing in Morocco and will open their Group E campaign against China on Monday, 19 October.